Optimistic Voices Plays The Breen Center May 22

The Musical Theater Project (TMTP)-a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and documenting musical theater as a great American art form-will present its final concert of the season, "Optimistic Voices," on May 22 at the Breen Center for Performing Arts. The center is located at St. Ignatius High School; curtain time is 3:00pm.

During the 1930s, wonderful songs were written to help Americans weather the economic storm of the Great Depression. "Optimistic Voices" presents funny, romantic and stirring words and music from that decade and beyond, spanning more than 50 years of stage and screen musicals.

Featured are such classic songs as "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love," "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and even Tomorrow" from Annie.

"Over the history of the art form, musical theater songwriters have written so many poignant and powerful songs to help us face our troubles and celebrate the joy in life," says Artistic Director Bill Rudman, who will host the performance and provide commentary about the songs and songwriters. "This concert is sure to lift anyone's spirits during our own tough times."

Rudman hosts the nationally syndicated radio program Footlight Parade, broadcast locally each Saturday on WCLV 104.9FM. Popular musical theater performers Adina Bloom and Fabio Polanco are the vocalists, and Nancy Maier is musical director/pianist.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $24 for preferred seating, and $10 for students. To reserve seats, call The Musical Theater Project at 216-529-9411 or visit www.musicaltheaterproject.org to order online. Groups of 10 or more receive a special discount.

The Breen Center for the Performing Arts at St. Ignatius High School is located in the historic Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland at West 30th and Lorain Avenue. Free and secure parking is available adjacent to the theater.

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